DECEITFUL RICHES
Samuel Akpama
- Post By Samuel Akpama
- 1 year ago
DAILY MANNA
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*DAILY MANNA DEVOTION FOR TODAY*
*TUESDAY 14TH MARCH 2023*
*DECEITFUL RICHES*
*KEY VERSE:*
*_“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:23)._*
*TEXT: MATTHEW 19:23-30*
*MESSAGE:*
The American investor, Howard Robard Hughes Jr. was one of the richest men in the world at the time he died at 70 in 1976. With investments in the film industry, real estate, aviation, medicine and engineering among other fields, this US magnate outclassed many billionaires of the age. But he became a recluse who made his stupendous wealth a kingdom that pushed him, ironically, into mental and physical decline. He was said to have a “phobia about germs” while “his passion for secrecy became a mania”.
Howard Hughes tied his all to his riches: his expectations on career success, family, future, healing, joy and desire for the good life. His wealth was turned into a bunker that kept the kingdom of heaven away. He overruled the Lord’s injunction: “if riches increase, set not your heart upon them”. The Lord is not against prosperity for His children. But we must relegate riches in respect of seeking the greater joy and hope for heaven.
The ageless warning is that it is impossible for those who make riches their idol without repenting to make heaven. As they swim in the rivers of riches here on earth without a larger preoccupation with the things of God, they declare that they have already created their own heaven.
The decision to follow Christ and renounce the world and its misleading spirit is taken at the point of one’s surrender to the Lord. Approved by God, it becomes a consuming lifetime passion that shuns the false glitz, glamour and grandeur promised by mammon. It is a resolution cast in iron that will not bend or budge.
*THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:*
*_He who makes mammon his God cannot have heaven as eternal home._*
*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:*
*NUMBERS 19 – 21*
*MEDITATIONS ON DAILY MANNA*
*TIMELESS TRUTH*
_"And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God"_ Matthew 19:24.
*INTRODUCTION*
There are many good things the heart desires but never know the true effect or consequences of having them until the desires are turned into reality. Generally, in order to enjoy such things, without them turning into stumbling blocks or a curse, the need to add wisdom to them is imperative. One of such is material wealth. Money itself, which is the pursuit of young and old today, is itself not evil. It is a means of exchange for material things which we don't have or we don't have enough. Abundance of it will turn into material wealth. The pursuit of wealth itself is also not evil. However, since different kinds of deceitfulness accompany wealth, it can turn to a source of sorry, suicidal tendencies, psychological disorders and spiritual destitution if not handled with wisdom.
The text shows us a rich, young and morally sound ruler who desired something more real and eternally rewarding treasure of salvation but could not get it because of his misunderstanding of the decietfulness of earthly wealth compared to eternal wealth. Unknown to him, his wealth became an idol which he exalted over spiritual riches.
*QUESTION*
Have you convinced yourselves that eternal treasures are far better than earthly wealth and riches? What is your choice?
*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Lord, I remove all my confidence from my morality and possessions. I come to you for salvation by grace alone. Come and save me🙏
2. Father give me light of the truth that exalts spiritual treasures and wealth above earthly possessions🙏
3. Father, make me willing that nothing will become an idol in my life🙏
4. LORD, give your people the wisdom that is constantly in pursuit of heavenly treasures🙏
5. Lord help me to trust in your riches and sufficiency alone. 🙏
*HYMN*
*MY PORTION FOREVER*
1. All, all to Jesus, I consecrate anew,
He is my portion forever;
Only His glory, henchforth [sic] will I pursue,
He is my portion forever.
*Refrain:*
Take, take the world with all its gilded toys,
Take, take the world I covet not its joys.
Mine is a wealth no moth nor rust destroys;
Jesus my portion forever.
2. All, all to Jesus, my trusting heart can say,
He is my portion forever;
Led by His mercy I'm walking ev'ry day,
He is my portion forever. *Refrain*
3. Though He may try me this blessed truth I know,
He is my portion forever;
He will not leave me, His promise tells me so,
He is my portion forever. *Refrain*
4. All, all to Jesus, I cheerfully resign,
He is my portion forever;
I have the witness that He, my Lord, is mine,
He is my portion forever. *Refrain*
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